Jane Means Appleton Pierce is one of Concord’s most famous historic residents – but there’s a lot we don’t know about her. For instance, did you know that she was once married to President Franklin Pierce? It’s true! In fact, she’s one of the only people in history who can make that claim. Facts just as interesting and revelatory as that – perhaps, if you can believe it, even more so – will be flying at you fast and furious if you check out the cool event at the New Hampshire Historical Society tonight. Ann Covell, one of the world’s premier Jane Pierce biographers, is here from across the pond (the Atlantic, not Horseshoe) to shed some light on the former first lady. She’ll also be signing her new book Jane Means Appleton Pierce: U.S. First Lady (1853-1857): Her Family, Life, and Times, available in the society’s museum store. (No word on whether she’ll have copies of Jane Means Appleton Pierce: Incorrect Definitions To Trick Small Children Learning What Words Mean For The First Time.) This free event takes place at the New Hampshire Historical Society’s library (30 Park St.) at 7 p.m. For more information, visit nhhistoricalsociety.org or call 228-6688. For less information, bang your head against the wall for a few minutes.

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Elsewhere, Concord Co-op’s Maria Noel Groves presents a lesson on do-it-yourself natural body cream and lip balm. We’ll pre-emptively restrain (prestrain?) ourselves from making any off-color jokes about that before things get out of hand. The presentation is at the Concord Fire Department Headquarters (naturally), 24 Horseshoe Pond Road. There is a $5 materials fee for attendees. Register beforehand online at concordfoodcoop.coop/classes.php.